New iPhone 17 (iOS 26.2) occasionally stuttering

Plex Labs
1

Hey everyone, I just got a new iPhone 17 (iOS 26.2) and I’ve been having this strange issue where the audio will stutter every once in a while. A song will be playing fine and then for like 1-4 seconds the audio will stutter. My phone can be sitting next to me playing music and then I’ll get a notification and the audio will stutter, or I can be opening an app or scrolling on a web page and the audio will stutter. It’s not a constant thing but it’s very annoying.

I’ve also had it happen when I’m not actively using my phone (other than for listening to music in Plexamp), but it seems much more likely to happen when I’m using my phone.

Has anyone else been having this issue? I was previously using a much older android phone with no issues (same music collection).

I can send logs if needed, I’m just not sure where. I’d prefer to send them directly through email if possible.

2

Was a known issue with an older beta version of the media server, but it sounds like it’s more tied to system activity. Are you playing through Bluetooth or otherwise remotely?

3

Yes, playing through bluetooth on my JBL speaker.

I’m on Plex Media Server Version 1.42.2.10156, by the way.

Edit: I don’t know if this is a Plex issue, a Plexamp issue, an iOS issue, or an issue with my JBL Charge 5 speaker, I guess.

4

I tested something out last night. For a few hours I listened to some podcasts (using Overcast) and the stuttering didn’t happen once over bluetooth. So it seems like this is related to Plex or Plexamp.

5

I just updated my iPhone 13 (ios 18.x) to an iPhone 17 (ios 26.2) and my car’s Bluetooth has just gone to “HE double hockey sticks”. Constant stuttering and cutouts in Plexamp and Apple Music so it does not appear to be a Plexamp only issue. A google of Bluetooth on ios 26.2 seems to indicate bugs in Apple Bluetooth connections. I’ve tried some of the various reset suggestions to no avail. My remote Plexamp access via Bluetooth in my car had been rock solid in the 5 plus years I’ve used it. I either need to revert to ios 18.x or wait out an Apple fix. The other temporary option is to use a direct connect via USB port for iPhone music for now. I just need to always attach the USB power cord to stream not using Bluetooth (old school).

6

I haven’t had issues with other music players, so I’m thinking it has to do with Plexamp.

I’m also not really sure Plexamp is much of a priority.

7

This issue has not gone away, and I’m thinking of switching to a different service soon. I’ve been using Plex and Plexamp for many years now and it would suck to leave, but regularly getting these audio issues is just not something I can deal with any longer. I listen to music 10+ hours a day and it’s become increasingly frustrating.

The issue doesn’t happen when I use a different music app, only Plexamp.